There are many detective TV shows from both the past and present. Some of them have writing that lacks depth, making it difficult for actors to shine. Others are intentionally silly or campy, where overacting can actually be appreciated.
However, there are some outstanding detective shows from recent decades, many of which are still airing, that showcase exceptional acting. This is largely due to the talented actors and strong writing, as well as the overall tone of the series.
18
High Potential (2024-)
<em>High Potential</em> may not be a serious detective show, but it stands out as one of the best police procedurals of the 2020s. This network TV crime drama follows the typical procedural format with a case-of-the-week approach while weaving in an overarching narrative about the main characters’ interpersonal relationships. The acting is exceptional, with Kaitlin Olson delivering a convincing performance as Morgan Gillory, an eccentric single mother with a bold fashion sense and a brilliant mind. Meanwhile, Daniel Sunjata perfectly portrays the straight man to her quirks as detective Adam Karadec, who is reluctantly partnered with Morgan when she becomes a consultant for the major crimes division of the local police department, creating a beautiful dynamic between them.
The show seamlessly shifts its tone from comedy to drama, requiring the actors to adapt accordingly, which they do brilliantly. While it may not be as serious as some other shows, the quality of acting remains high.
17
Bosch (2014-2021)
Titus Welliver is an actor recognized by fans from various projects but often hard to place. He has played supporting roles in notable shows like Lost, Deadwood, and Sons of Anarchy, and appeared in films like Gone Baby Gone and Argo. However, it’s his role inBosch that truly demonstrated his ability to lead a show and cast effectively.
The police procedural follows detective Harry Bosch (Welliver) as he investigates various cases while also confronting personal issues, including being tried for shooting a suspect in alleged self-defense during the first season. He navigates the conflict between his dedication to work and personal troubles with ease on screen. The story and writing are impeccable, based on novels by Michael Connelly, adding a layer of grit. Welliver delivers an outstanding performance alongside a supporting cast that includes the late Lance Reddick, Amy Aquino, Jason Gedrick, Jeri Ryan, and others.
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Mare of Easttown (2021)
A crime drama miniseries,Mare
of
Easttown, follows Marianne “Mare” Sheehan (Kate
Winslet), a police detective investigating the murder of a teenage mother in her small Pennsylvania suburb while dealing with her own personal troubles. Earning 16 Emmy nominations and winning four, including one for Winslet, it’s no surprise this series was praised for its acting.
In fact,
alongside
Winslet,
a revered A-list movie actor,Julianne
Nicholson andEvan
Peters also won for their main roles. With the amazing,
gripping script,
the series presents like a movie.
True Detective (2014-)
Every season ofTrue Detective is different since it’s an anthology crime drama.
But they all have one thing in common:
they involve detectives investigating a case and an incredibly talented cast of A-listers.
The first season starsMatthew McConaughey andWoody Harrelson,
while season two countsColin Farrell,
Rachel McAdams,
andVince Vaugn among its cast.
Mahershala Ali andStephen Dorff head up the cast for season 3 andJodie Foster mesmerizes in season four,
equally matched byKali Reis.
Once again,
the stories in all four seasons ofTrue Detective
present like movies as viewers follow the emotional,
sometimes terrifying,
plots from start to finish.
Featuring a range of themes and varying styles,
including actors having to play themselves in multiple timelines in several seasons,
each one is like a masterclass in acting.
The Fall (2013-2016)
PutGillian Anderson
andJamie Dornan
together and there’s no doubt the acting would be impeccable.
Anderson convincingly puts on a British accent for the role of Metropolitan Police Superintendent Stella Gibson inThe Fall, who is investigating a series of murders, believing them to be connected to a serial killer.
Dornan, meanwhile, will give viewers the creeps as Peter Paul Spector, a grief counsellor and family man who moonlights as a sick and twisted killer.
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The cat-and-mouse game in the series is compelling,
thanks in large part to these two leads carrying the plot along so smoothly.
While the supporting cast is just as wonderful,
these two undoubtedly shine whenever they’re on screen,
even more so when they are together in a scene.
Mindhunter (2017-2019)
Ending after two seasons six years ago,
fans are still calling for a return of
Mindhunter,
one of the best psychological crime thrillers of this decade.
While both
Jonathan Groff
and
Holt McCallany
nail their roles as two special agents in the Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI who coined the term “serial killer,” it’s the supporting cast that will blow viewers away.
The story is loosely based on the real story of the origin of this term and features interviews with actors playing some of the most notorious real-life serial killers in history,
some dialogue taken right from actual transcripts.
The actors who take on personas like Ed Kemper (
Cameron Britton
), David Berkowitz (
Oliver Cooper
), and Charles Manson (
Damon Herriman
) fully capture these figures’ essence.
It’s evident they studied everything from vocal inflection to mannerisms for months to convincingly embody these roles.
It’s both fascinating and terrifying how good they are.
